]]>A councilor said yesterday that they are presently tracking down the illegal private security agencies operating in the city.

“We are now in the process of cross referencing data from Regional Civil Security Unit (RCSU), Department of Labor and Employment, and the City Hall if their agencies are not included in their list they are considered illegal and existing laws will apply,” said Councilor Mabel Sunga Acosta, adding that they could be blacklisted.

The issue stemmed after the Regional Security Association (RESA) revealed that there are some private security agencies are engaging business in the city without securing a business permit.

The committee on peace and public safety chairperson stressed that all business entities need to acquire the necessary permits from the city.

The councilor also proposed a resolution urging the Davao City Chamber of Commerce and Industry Inc. to encourage its members to only deal with private security agencies with the necessary papers.

“I am warning all the owner establishments who are getting contracts to please check if your agency has a business permit because if you are caught conducting business with them you could face penalties as there are already existing laws on this,” Acosta said.

RESA also noted that these underground agencies do not pay appropriate taxes due to the government and are not properly monitored for fair labor practice. These agencies often operate in a fly-by-night system where they can easily move their operations around the city.

Based on the law, the RCSU issues the license to operate (LTO) as mandated by RA 5487 or the Private Security Agency Law. The business permit is not a requirement for the issuance of the LTO under their rules while the DOLE issues only certificates of compliance with the labor standards for private security agencies but also does not require a business permit prior to issuance of the certificate.